Mr. and Mrs. James J. Baranello Jr. of Port Washington have announced the birth of their second child, Kaitlin Irene Baranello, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 1998. Kaitlin weighed 7 lbs. 14 ozs. and was 20 inches long. Kaitlin joins her big brother, Jimmy, who is 2 3/4 years old. Mrs. Baranello is the former Tara K. Sittner. The proud grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. A. Sittner and Mr. and Mrs. J. Baranello Sr., all of Manhasset.

On Jan. 25, Madeline Smith Atkins of Port Washington received the Doctor of Arts degree in English Literature from St. John's University. Her dissertation, "The Importance of Music in London's 18th Century Popular Theatre," traced the evolution of ballad opera, comic opera, and burletta, and the immense influence which these musical forms effected on theater attendance for both upper and lower classes in London. Dr. Atkins has served as an organist at St. Mary's Church in Manhasset for many years.

Professor Phyllis Kurland, a resident of Manhasset, has been appointed to the board of directors of The Sing Out Corporation, a prestigious national organization within the folk music field. Phyllis Kurland is the coordinator of the Nassau Community College Cultural Program and brings to the board the experience of running the successful NCC Folk Festival for more than 26 years. Nassau Community College will be host to the 27th annual Folk Festival March 31, April 1 and April 2. During her tenure the NCC Folk Festival has been the host to such notables as: Harlem Blues and Jazz, Bonnie Raitt, Ani Difranco, Peter Yarrow and Oscar Brand.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) recently recognized Elias Gonzalez of Manhasset for volunteer work with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). Mr. Gonzalez was awarded a three-year service pin at a SCORE Chapter Meeting on Feb. 10. Bert Haggerty, SBA Long Island manager, presented the service pin to Mr. Gonzalez "in recognition of his dedication and service which helps thousands of Long Islanders establish and maintain businesses each year."

On Feb. 14, WNBC's 4 Stories focused on a Long Island resident who has become a national hero. Maureen Boyle of Manhasset is the founder of Mothers of Super Twins (MOST). Through this organization, Mrs. Boyle helps provide expectant parents of multiple births with updated information and prenatal counseling.

Grassi and Co., CPAs, P.C. has announced that it has joined the Moore Stephens North America Inc. network of accounting firms. Grassi and Co. will now be known internationally as Moore Stephens Grassi. Managing partner Louis C. Grassi is a resident of Manhasset.